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Why did George Pickens not play vs Browns? NFL insider reveals reason behind Steelers WR's absence in Week 14

Pittsburgh Steelers wide recevier George Pickens was inactive for the first game of his three-season NFL career yesterday. Pickens was a surprise inactive with a hamstring injury during the Steelers' 27-14 win over the Cleveland Browns.

Many were anticipating on watching Pickens play after the Steelers lost to the Browns two weeks ago, 24-19, in a game where he was held to four catches for 48 yards on seven targets.

ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter joined the "Pat McAfee Show" today for Monday's episode, and spoke about Pickens' injury. He said that the team intended to play Pickens, but he woke up Friday morning feeling tightness in his hamstring.

As a result, the Steelers took the safe approach and thought about the long-term and sat Pickens to avoid him missing more time.

Schefter said:

"They absolutely were planning on him playing. Mike Tomlin said before the game that he thought he was going to play. And I think what happened was he woke up Friday morning. It was tight... I think George absolutely intended to play, and then they met as a team before the game, and ultimately, I guess medical people prevailed there, like, you know what? Let's take the long term view here."
"Let's make sure we're not pushing it today. Let's rest him on the hamstring... but they decided that it was in his best long term interest yesterday to hold him out of the game. And so that's that's exactly what they did."

While Pickens was inactive, it didn't matter as the Steelers earned a 27-14 win over their division rival with quarterback Russell Wilson throwing for two touchdown passes and 158 yards in the win.

Sports doctor Jesse Morse thinks George Pickens could miss 1-3 weeks with his hamstring strain

George Pickens during Pittsburgh Steelers v Cincinnati Bengals - Source: Getty
George Pickens during Pittsburgh Steelers v Cincinnati Bengals - Source: Getty

Could George Pickens miss an extended period of time with his hamstring injury? Sports doctor Jesse Morse thinks so.

Today, Morse gave an explanation of the current injury Pickens is dealing with. He said that Pickens has a partial tear in the tendon and if he reinjured the hamstring yesterday, it could have been season-ending.

Morse tweeted:

"This is a partial tear of the tendon. To think he was pushing to play yesterday is a bit surprising and if allowed to there’s a good chance he would have reinjured it to the point it was season-ending."
"These usually take 4-6 weeks (think Nico Collins, Mike Evans). Wouldn’t be surprised if he misses 1-3 more weeks."

The Pittsburgh Steelers improved to 10-3 on the season with their win against the Cleveland Browns. They hold a two-game lead in the division with the Baltimore Ravens in second place at 8-5.

If necessary, George Pickens will likely miss a little more time to recover from his hamstring injury.

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